June 30 U.S. Department of Transportation Press Release – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today broke ground on Colorado’s largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project to date, a major highway and bike path in the Denver metro area. The project will give drivers and bicyclists a smoother trip, offer more transportation options, and help put people back to work.

Improvements to C-470, which extends about 26 miles from I-25 in the south to I-70 in the west through Douglass and Jefferson counties, is considered the largest urban project in the Denver metro area to date. Vehicle traffic has grown from 40,000 vehicles per day in 2004 to 75,000 in 2008.

“This project is helping to put the Denver region on the road to economic recovery,” said Secretary LaHood. “The C-470 project is a great example of Metro Denver’s commitment to reducing highway congestion while also improving a very popular bike path that connects parks all over the area. When I talk about investing in livable communities across America, this is exactly what I mean.”

Livable communities can offer residents choices among different modes of travel — from highways to light rail to bike paths. The C-470 project is estimated to cost $22.3 million - $7 million of which is included for the bike path. The work will include the resurfacing and rehabilitation of nine miles of roadway and various sections of the bicycle path throughout the entire stretch. The bicycle path is separate and continuous alongside the entire length of the corridor and serves about 200,000 commuters and recreational users annually.

“We are honored to host Secretary LaHood as we break ground on one of the largest roadway projects in Colorado to be funded by the Recovery Act,” said Governor Bill Ritter. “The launch of the C-470 project is another important example of how Colorado is quickly putting the Recovery Act to work to create jobs, reboot the economy and invest in a modern transportation system.”

“This project is key to easing traffic congestion and ensuring access to the metro area for commuters and recreational users,” said Congressman Ed Perlmutter. “Investments in these types of projects are already helping our aging infrastructure and saving and creating good paying jobs for the 7th Congressional District and Colorado.”

Of the $26.6 billion in ARRA highway funds available nationwide, Colorado’s share is $385.3 million. To date, Colorado has obligated $243.9 million of its highway dollars under ARRA.

ARRA funding for highway projects may be used for restoration, repair, construction, and other activities under the Surface Transportation Program. Each proposed project must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Governors must certify that proposed projects meet certain conditions and that the state will use ARRA funds in addition to, not in replacement of, state funding of transportation projects.

Priority is given to projects that are projected to be completed within three years, are located in economically distressed areas, or will maximize job creation and economic benefits.

So, head down to Civic Center Park and check it out!

Come park some bikes!

Want to spend a few hours if this lovely weekend in the presence of bicycles? Of course you do! BikeDenver will be providing free bike parking at Colfax and Broadway during both days of the festival. We’d love to have your help.

Check out the schedule here…

Saturday, June 27th, Festival hours 11am - 8pm
Here’s what we need help with…

• Manager, all day. Starts at 10:45am
• 2 volunteers, 9:30am - Noon (Includes set-up)
• 1 volunteer, Noon - 3pm
• 2 volunteers, 3pm - 6pm
• 2 volunteers, 6pm - 8:30pm

Sunday, June 28th, Festival hours 10am - 6pm
Here’s what we need help with…

• Manager, all day. Starts at 9:45am
• No more help needed 10am - 1pm
• 2 volunteers, 1pm - 4pm
• 2 volunteers, 4pm - 6:30pm (Includes tear-down)

Then sign up here…

The Mile High City is making it easy to leave your car behind!

(Wednesday, June 24, Denver Public Works Press Release) Mayor John Hickenlooper today joined Deputy Mayor/Public Works Manager Bill Vidal to announce improvements to Denver’s “bikescape” or bicycle infrastructure. The goal of the upgrades is to create a comfortable, connected and safe environment for bicycling throughout Denver. 

Denver Public Works will assess the need of every designated bike route in the City for increased signage, bike lanes or sharrows (pavement markings that identify lanes that are shared by both cars and bicycles) in order to create a connected and easily recognized system for residents to enjoy. To accomplish this task, a change in standard operating procedure will be implemented: when street maintenance is being performed on City streets, bike facility improvements will be made as part of this new programmed and proactive approach to increasing citywide bike markings.

This practice will allow an existing designated bike route identified by signage only to possibly be upgraded by adding a bike lane or sharrow if traffic conditions permit. Traffic volume and road width are factors that must be considered when streets with designated bike routes are assessed for bicycle improvements to ensure safety. Integrating these street assessments into Public Works’ existing work plans complements the current proactive process of routinely refreshing all bicycle oriented pavement markings.

“Our goal is to make Denver as bicycle-friendly as possible and make it easier for cyclists to commute,” said Mayor Hickenlooper said. “Improving our bicycle infrastructure is an essential component in motivating people to leave their automobiles behind and instead ride a bike; it’s an affordable, clean and simple way to get around town.” In addition to this pro-active strategy to improve Denver’s bikescape, Federal Stimulus funds in the amount of $250,000 have been dedicated to provide bicycle mobility enhancements throughout Denver. The funds are allowing new bike lane installations at the following 11 locations:

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  • Mariposa Street - 8^th Avenue to Colfax Avenue
  • Larimer Street - Broadway to Downing Street
  • Champa Street - 19th to 24th Street
  • Welton Street – Colfax Avenue to 14th Street
  • Tremont Street - 16th Street to Broadway
  • Stout Street - 30th Street to Downing Street
  • 31st Avenue - Downing Street to Race Street
  • Martin Luther Kind Boulevard - Elizabeth Street to Quebec Street
  • Yale - Syracuse Way to Quebec Street
  • 22nd Avenue - Park Avenue West to York Street
  • East 12th Avenue - Clayton Street to Madison Street

Public Works will be applying new sharrows to enhance the above installations, as well as applying new sharrows to provide connectivity to, and with, downtown Denver. The special arrow markings alert cars to use caution and allow cyclists to safely travel in these designated lanes.

“Traveling by bicycle is quickly becoming the preferred form of alternative transportation for Denver residents, and to encourage this trend we are committed to implementing new standards for bike routes throughout the City,” said Vidal. “Ongoing bicycle facility and roadway maintenance is essential to improving the safety and accessibility of roads and shared-use paths to bicyclists”

Released late last year, the Strategic Transportation Plan (STP) provides a proactive approach to addressing Denver’s imminent transportation needs with solutions that are consistent with our City’s goal to be multimodal in our approach to solving our transportation challenges. This commitment to bicycle connectivity is essential to the success of changing transportation behaviors.

Another project that supports the foundation provided in the STP is the joint planning effort between the Denver Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments on the Multimodal Access and Connectivity Plan. This endeavor is scheduled to kick-off this fall and will assess the on-street bike and pedestrian facilities as well as the trail system and the interface between the two systems. One of the central products of this plan will be a prioritized list of implementation projects to support alternative modes of transportation in Denver and aid behavioral changes.

The largest impact we make on the earth through our personal lifestyle decisions is the extent to which we drive an automobile. Bike riding is a smart choice with its synergistic combination of multiple benefits, both to society and to the rider. As Denver strives to advance the quality of life in our City by encouraging safe bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity, we challenge everyone to do the same: by improving bicycle access to your building or event, you can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution which benefits the environment as well as the health of the community.

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While bike riding is not allowed on the 16th Street Mall, the number of “U” racks just adjacent to
the Mall will triple as a result of this new infrastructure investment. Other locations were selected
on the basis of proximity to bike routes, major bus and light rail stops and other heavily trafficked
areas.

“We strongly encourage bicyclists to utilize this mode of transportation throughout Downtown,”
said Tami Door, President & CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Our surveys show that
roughly 6% of the Downtown workforce consistently commutes by bicycle—and we are confident this number can expand with the right infrastructure investments.” The BID is investing $50,000 in bicycle parking and other amenities for bicyclists, and has started a matching funds program for Downtown property owners who wish to improve their property’s bicycle infrastructure. Downtown property owners are currently submitting proposals for matching funds, and properties located at 555 17th Street, 1625 and 1675 Broadway have already received funds as part of this program. Property owners can also purchase discounted bike racks through the BID by calling 303.534.6161.

The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District (BID) is a public organization funded by private
commercial property owners. It strives to provide a clean, safe and vibrant Downtown environment for
workers, residents and visitors. Through their annual assessments to this quasi-governmental entity, BID property owners fund a series of district-wide programs that enhance Downtown Denver, including
cleaning and maintenance efforts, safety initiatives and targeted visitor marketing. The BID is an
independent organization that contracts with the Downtown Denver Partnership to manage its work
program.

The Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit business organization that creatively plans,
manages and develops Downtown Denver as the unique, diverse, vibrant and economically healthy urban core of the Rocky Mountain region. For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com.

Ride along with friends and neighbors in groups led by BikeDenver and learn the best commuting routes to downtown! Performance Bicycle will sponsor this 1st annual BikeDenver Peloton event. Help promote bicycling in Denver and ride with City Council members including Chris Nevitt, Carla Madison, Doug Linkhart and Jeanne Robb. Pelotons will include local community leaders who bike to work and familiar faces like Reggie Rivers (former Bronco), Greg Moody (CBS4), Ellen Hart Pena (2-time Bolder Boulder winner and former Olympian), and Nancy Severson (Denver Environmental Health Director). You’ll enjoy the camaraderie and security that an organized ride provides, receive free giveaways from Performance Bicycle, and get a free spoke card from New Belgium Brewing good for a discount on your next Fat Tire!

Pelotons depart promptly at 7am (please arrive no later than 6:45am to sign your waiver and receive instructions) from:

1. 32nd & Lowell - Across the street from Heidi’s Deli Click here for the ride route.

2. Cheesman Park - Cheesman Park Acropolis Click here for the ride route.

3. Cherry Creek North (Whole Foods Market Cherry Creek Breakfast Station) - 2nd & Fillmore Click here for the ride route.

4. Platt Park - Stella’s at 1476 S. Pearl St. - Offering free coffee for Peloton riders 6:30am to 7:00am with your own mug! Click here for the ride route.

5. City Park - City Park’s Thatcher Fountain, South of the Pavillion Click here for the ride route.

6. Curtis Park - 32nd & Champa Click here for the ride route.

7. Sloan’s Lake - 26th & Tennyson Click here for the ride route.

8. Washington Park - Washington Park’s Dos Chappell Bathhouse, North of Smith Lake Click here for the ride route.

All rides will converge on the main Bike to Work Day breakfast station at Civic Center Park by (estimated) 7:30am. Please wear a helmet and be sure to arrive by 6:45am to sign your waiver, meet ride leaders, and receive ride instructions. Pre-registration not required. BikeDenver rides safely and legally. No one gets left behind! Denver Police Bike Patrol Officers will ride with each peloton. Click here</for a link to DRCOG’s Bike to Work Day webpage. Click here for the event flyer.

Join us at the inaugural Cactus Bike From Work Bash – a celebration of Bike to Work Day, the greenest day in mile high. Bike Denver will be providing a bike valet ($1 suggested donation) and guests will enjoy free Illegal Pete’s burritos, Breckenridge Brewery beer, Amp energy drinks, a live DJ, bike stunts by Yellow Designs and security provided by Denver Roller Dolls. More importantly, there will be a highly competitive and excessively entertaining tricycle race to benefit Wish for Wheels taking place during the celebration. As style, speed and sobriety all come into play, be sure to bring your “A” game.

Teams consist of five members, entry fee is $100 per team.

The rules to race are simple: 1) Bring your OWN tricked-out tricycle, 2) the tricycle must be man powered and 3) the tricycle must have three wheels, because it’s a tricycle race.

Prizes will be given for creativity in design and performance. So pimp out your dopest trike, roll deep with your crew and hit the streets to shred tar. And remember people, this is for charity. You know, to give bikes to kids.

DETAILS
When: Wednesday, June 24th from 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Cactus parking lot (corner of 15th and Little Raven)
Teams: (5 trikers) $100/team, or $20/person and we’ll match you up with a team
Trikes: Ride your tricked-out trike to the event, or contact collin@sharpideas.com to drop it off before Bike to Work Day. Don’t have your own trike? We’ll have extras on hand just in case.
Attire: Spandex encouraged, not required

The theme of the event was green volunteering, as all three non-profits rely on the commitment of volunteers to help host the programs that further their missions:

BikeDenver is Denver’s bicycle advocacy organization. Volunteers help us staff free community bike corrals at major Denver events to encourage more people to ride their bike for short trips in cities. In 2008, BikeDenver provided secure bike parking at events with a total attendance of over 1.3 million.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is a statewide non-profit based in Denver that encourages outdoor volunteerism to steward our natural resources. Over 3,000 volunteers participate in 20-25 outdoor stewardship projects each year in some of the most beautiful areas of Colorado.

Denver Botanic Garden volunteers help one of the largest and most visited botanical gardens in the U.S. accomplish their mission of connecting people to plants (especially the plants in the Rocky Mountain Region).

Thanks for riding with us last night! Summer in Denver is a great time to re-connect with the outdoors! BikeDenver, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and the Denver Botanic Gardens encourage you to get out on your bike, on a trail, or in the garden!

Please send any great ride photos to piep@bikedenver.org. Photos will be posted on BikeDenver’s Facebook page.